This species are often noted for their large, heart-shaped leaves that turn a very bright blood red when they are about to be dropped.

They also produce lots of small green fruits which turn a pretty purple colour when ripe.

Bleeding hearts are widespread in Asia and the Pacific and they are a commonly seen plant as they colonise the edge of the forest and are initially fast growing, such as along the Cape Tribulation road, and around the Dubuji and Lake Barrine carpark.